Politics

PoliticsMaliUnion african solidarity with Mali amid ongoing security challengesJuly 13, 2026During an official visit to Bamako, the African Union's top official reaffirmed unwavering support for Mali despite its 2021 suspension from the organization. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission arrived in Bamako on Sunday, July 12, for an official visit aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the continental body and Mali. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf conveyed the African Union's full solidarity with Malian authorities as the country grapples with persistent security threats. This support comes despite Mali's suspension from AU decision-making bodies since the 2021 military takeover—a suspension imposed to pressure the junta toward restoring constitutional order. The Africa...

Politics Mali African Union reaffirms commitment to Mali amid security challenges July 13, 2026 During an official visit to Bamako, the African Union Commission Chair underscores unwavering support for Mali despite its 2021 suspension from the organization. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission arrived in Bamako on Sunday, July 12, 2026, for an official visit aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the continental body and Mali. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated the African Union’s steadfast support for Malian authorities grappling with persistent security threats. This backing comes despite Mali’s ongoing suspension from AU organs since the 2021 coup d’état, which was imposed following the ...

Senegalese minister slams Pastef leader for undermining democracy Recent remarks by Ousmane Sonko targeting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have ignited fierce debate across Senegal’s political landscape. Minister Dr Abdourahmane Diouf has launched a scathing rebuttal, condemning the Pastef leader’s rhetoric as a dangerous threat to the nation’s democratic foundations. The stinging remarks by Ousmane Sonko against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye continue to reverberate through Senegalese politics. Following the Pastef leader’s latest salvo—where he labeled the Head of State as a "manipulable president" during the party’s 48-hour gathering in Touba—Dr Abdourahmane Diouf struck back with an unusually sharp response. In a scathing post, the government minister took aim at the Na...

The highest judicial authority in Senegal has a new leader. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Ousmane Diagne as the new president of the Constitutional Council, a role he previously held before being removed from the first government led by Ousmane Sonko. This appointment, formalized through Decree No. 2026-1318, marks a significant moment for the nation's legal landscape. Ousmane Diagne, a seasoned jurist, returns to lead the institution responsible for overseeing constitutional matters and resolving electoral disputes. From Justice Minister to Constitutional Leader Ousmane Diagne brings extensive experience to his new position. Prior to his judicial career, he served as Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the initial cabinet of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. H...

Politics Libreville tackles urban chaos with renewed vigor By Editor-in-Chief July 13, 2026 98 No comments Libreville, July 13, 2026 — The 72-hour ultimatum issued by Libreville’s Mayor Eugène M’ba expires tonight. Within hours, the capital’s long-awaited cleanup campaign will shift into high gear, targeting illegal street ...

President Tshisekedi orders restraint in fiscal enforcement against mining firms The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi has directed tax authorities to scale back aggressive recovery measures targeting mining companies, warning that such tactics undermine investor confidence in the sector. The directive follows a cabinet meeting in Kinshasa, where the Head of State highlighted concerns over repeated account seizures, asset freezes, and inconsistent tax policies that escalate operational costs for miners. As the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper exporter, the DRC relies heavily on mining revenues. Officials argue that abrupt fiscal actions not only burden operators but also erode the country’s competitive edge in attracting foreign inves...

The political climate in Senegal has taken a sharp turn as the presidential coalition led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye has openly criticized the escalating rhetoric from Assembly President Ousmane Sonko. In a strongly worded statement released on July 13, 2026, the Diomaye Président coalition condemned Sonko’s recent remarks made during a political gathering in Mbacké, labeling them as divisive and counterproductive to national stability. a stark contrast in leadership styles While Ousmane Sonko’s supporters portray him as a bold opposition figure, the presidential alliance argues that his approach undermines the country’s democratic institutions. The coalition’s statement accused Sonko of pursuing a strategy of "permanent confrontation," warning that such behavior tarnishes the dignity of hi...

Tensions in Senegal have reached a critical point as Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, openly challenges the administration led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. During a high-profile gathering in Touba on July 12, Sonko declared his readiness to oust the government of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô as often as needed, signaling a direct confrontation between the legislative and executive branches. By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Is the Senegalese political landscape undergoing a profound systemic transformation, where a relentless logic of defiance now definitively overshadows respect for the Republic? Once a prominent opposition figure, briefly in power, and now retreating into a stance of radical confrontation, the leader of Pastef appears to have shifted from a strategy of popular response to an unprecedented posture of institutional obstruction. A pressing question now preoccupies observers: how far does Ousmane Sonko intend to push this? We recall the slogan “Gatsa-Gatsa” (meaning “a short tail is paid with a short tail”). Originally launched to legitimize a direct retort against the preceding administration, this concept deeply polarized the public sphere. It advocated for responding blow for blow. Howe...

Key pointsDismissal: Ousmane Sonko was removed from his post as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on May 22, 2026Warning: On July 12, 2026, in Mbacké, Sonko announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against the government led by Ahmadou Al Aminou LôBacking: Ten of the sixteen mayors in the Mbour district publicly supported President Faye on July 12Party launch: The president will inaugurate his new political party at the Dakar Arena on August 8, 2026Confrontational rhetoric in MbackéPolitical tensions in Senegal have escalated sharply. During a July 12 gathering in Mbacké, Ousmane Sonko—now Speaker of the National Assembly—delivered a scathing critique of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration. The leader of the Pastef movement accused the government of aband...

Key pointsDismissal: Ousmane Sonko was removed as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on May 22, 2026Threat: On July 12, 2026, in Mbacké, Sonko announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô’s governmentBacking: Ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour department publicly endorsed President Faye on July 12Party launch: President Faye will hold the founding congress of his new party at Dakar Arena on August 8, 2026 Confrontational tone in Touba-Mbacké The political crisis in Senegal has escalated sharply. During a July 12 gathering in Mbacké, Ousmane Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, unleashed a series of direct attacks against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his administration. In a speech that rapidly spread across soc...

Ousmane Sonko outlines his vision for governance in Senegal during Mbaké tour Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko recently concluded a high-profile tour across the Diourbel region, where he reaffirmed his party's financial independence and outlined his vision for the nation's political future. The visit, part of the '48 Hours of Pastef' campaign, saw Sonko address supporters in Touba and Sadio, emphasizing both the origins of his movement and its aspirations for Senegal's governance. Financial autonomy: a cornerstone of Pastef's identity Speaking before a packed audience in Touba, Sonko underscored the financial self-sufficiency of his party, Pastef, which he described as operating entirely outside state funding. Addressing concerns about the rapid sell-out of party membership ...